I assume you know that drivers in Missouri must have motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. If you drive in our state, you must show proof of insurance when you register a vehicle and when you renew your license plates. You must have proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. Liability insurance covers your legal liability when there are injuries or property damage as a result of your actions. It's the law. Period.
Here are two things you cannot assume:
(1) Your doctor and/or your surgeon has medical malpractice insurance.
Physicians and/or surgeons who practice in Missouri are not required to have medical malpractice insurance -- unless they're on the staff of a hospital located in a county with a population of more than 75,000 inhabitants.
There are 102 Missouri counties where there are less than 75,000 inhabitants. Did you assume your doctor and/or your surgeon has medical malpractice insurance?
(2) Your attorney has professional liability insurance.
Attorneys who practice law in Missouri are not required to have professional liability insurance. There are over 30,000 licensed Missouri attorneys. Did you assume that your lawyer had professional liability insurance? There is no law.
Since it's illegal to drive a motor vehicle in Missouri without vehicle insurance, then you can assume your doctor and your lawyer has car insurance -- just like you.
On the other hand, your doctor or your surgeon may or may not have medical malpractice insurance and your attorney may or may not have professional liability insurance. You can't assume they do.
If you need a lawyer and you call The Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral Service, you CAN be assured that the attorney you're referred to DOES have professional liability insurance. All of our members are required to be insured.
That's one less thing you need to wonder or worry about -- it's taken care of. You don't have to ask and you don't have to assume. We insist they have insurance. It's a requirement. It's a rule. Period.